Maxalt - Rizatriptan 5mg - 6 Tablets

Maxalt 5mg Tablets contain rizatriptan, which belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. The official leaflet states that Maxalt is used to treat the headache phase of the migraine attack in adults. It works by reducing swelling of blood vessels surrounding the brain, which is associated with migraine headache pain.

Maxalt is intended for use once a migraine attack has started. The leaflet specifically says it should not be used to prevent an attack.

The leaflet describes Maxalt 5mg tablets as pale pink, capsule-shaped tablets, coded MAXALT on one side and MSD 266 on the other. It also states that tablet pack sizes include 2, 3, 6, 12 or 18 tablets, so a 6-tablet pack is part of the listed pack range.

Always take Maxalt exactly as your doctor, prescriber or pharmacist has told you. The leaflet states that Maxalt should be taken as soon as possible after your migraine headache has started. It should not be used to prevent migraine.

The usual dose is 10mg, but the leaflet states that some patients should use the 5mg dose instead, including people taking propranolol and some people with kidney or liver problems. The tablets should be taken by mouth and swallowed whole with liquid.

If your migraine returns within 24 hours, you may take an additional dose, but you should always wait at least 2 hours between doses. If you do not respond to the first dose during an attack, the leaflet says you should not take a second dose for treatment of that same attack. Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours.

Active ingredient:

Each tablet contains 5mg rizatriptan as 7.265mg rizatriptan benzoate.

Other ingredients:

Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460a), pregelatinised starch, iron oxide red (E172) and magnesium stearate (E572).

Allergy / intolerance advice:

The leaflet states that the 5mg tablet contains 30.25mg lactose monohydrate. If you have been told by a doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should seek advice before taking this medicine.

Do not take Maxalt if you are allergic to rizatriptan benzoate or any of the ingredients, if you have moderately severe or severe high blood pressure, uncontrolled mild high blood pressure, have or have had heart problems including heart attack or angina, have severe liver or severe kidney problems, have had a stroke or TIA, have peripheral vascular disease, or if you are taking MAO inhibitors, ergotamine-type medicines, or another medicine in the same class such as sumatriptan, naratriptan or zolmitriptan.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Maxalt if you have risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, use of nicotine replacement, a family history of heart disease, if you are a man over 40 or a postmenopausal woman, or if you have kidney or liver problems.

In adult studies, the most common side effects reported were dizziness, sleepiness and tiredness. Common side effects also include tingling, headache, reduced sensitivity, decreased mental sharpness, insomnia, palpitations, flushing, throat discomfort, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, heaviness, neck pain, stiffness, and pain in the abdomen or chest.

The leaflet says you may feel sleepy or dizzy while taking Maxalt, so do not drive or use tools or machines if affected. In pregnancy or breast-feeding, advice from a doctor or pharmacist should be sought before use.

Find Leaflet Here